Forgery Defense Attorneys in Phoenix, Arizona

Understanding Forgery in Arizona Law

Forgery in Arizona is a serious criminal offense involving the falsification of documents, signatures, or other items with the intent to deceive or defraud. As leading forgery defense attorneys in Phoenix, Arizona, Feldman & Royle emphasize the significant consequences these charges can carry. Forgery cases can include a wide range of conduct, from financial fraud to identity theft, and require experienced legal counsel to challenge the state’s evidence and protect your rights.

Forgery Charges under Arizona Law

Under A.R.S. § 13-2002, forgery in Arizona occurs when a person knowingly creates, alters, possesses, or presents a false or forged document with the intent to defraud. This can include falsifying signatures, altering legal records, or producing counterfeit items. Generally, forgery is classified as a Class 4 felony, carrying potential penalties of 1.5 to 3 years in prison, substantial fines, and possible restitution. If a person is found with five or more forged documents, the charge escalates to a Class 3 felony, punishable by 2.5 to 7 years in prison. When forgery is tied to illegal immigration or unlawful employment, a mandatory prison term applies, even for first-time offenders. As noted by Feldman & Royle’s Phoenix forgery lawyers, these charges can have serious and lasting consequences. If you’re facing a forgery accusation, it’s critical to seek experienced legal counsel right away to help protect your rights and future.

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Your Rights in Forgery Cases in Phoenix

Individuals accused of forgery have the right to legal representation and are entitled to a fair trial. Our Phoenix possession of forgery device attorney at Feldman & Royle advises that it’s crucial to seek a lawyer experienced in handling forgery cases under Arizona law to ensure your rights are protected and to navigate the legal system effectively.

Defenses Against Forgery in Phoenix

Defense against forgery charges in Arizona primarily focuses on disproving the key elements of the crime, particularly the intent to defraud. Without the intent to deceive or cheat, a person cannot be found guilty of forgery under Arizona law. Defenses available –

• Challenging Intent: The core of our defense is to prove the absence of intent to defraud. Forgery charges hinge on this criminal intent, so we work to show that our client’s actions were a mistake, a misunderstanding, or were done with the victim’s consent.
• Utilizing Expert Witnesses: We bring in forensic document examiners and handwriting experts to analyze the evidence. Their expert testimony is crucial for challenging the prosecution’s claims about the authenticity of the document or signature.
• Exposing Evidentiary Flaws: We meticulously investigate the state’s case, looking for errors in the way evidence was collected or handled. This includes questioning the chain of custody of the documents, as any break in this chain can render the evidence inadmissible.
• Proactive Case Management: Our experience as former prosecutors gives us an advantage. We use this knowledge to anticipate the state’s strategy and to find weaknesses in their case. This allows us to work towards getting charges dismissed or reduced before the case ever goes to trial.

A criminal defense firm’s philosophy is often built around a proactive and aggressive defense. We believe that by treating every case as a serious case, we can achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients, whether that’s a dismissal of charges or a not-guilty verdict at trial.

Penalties for Forgery Cases in Arizona

Forgery in Arizona is typically charged as a felony, and the severity of penalties depends on the circumstances of the case and the defendant’s criminal history.

Class 4 Felony – Most Common Forgery Charge

• Typical Sentence (First-Time Offenders): 1 to 3.75 years in prison
• With Aggravating Factors or Prior Convictions: Up to 15 years in prison
• Additional Penalties:
  • Fines up to $150,000
  • Probation or community supervision
  • Restitution to victims
    

Forgery is usually charged as a Class 4 felony when someone knowingly signs or alters a document with the intent to defraud.

Class 3 Felony – Aggravated Forgery

• Typical Sentence (First-Time Offenders):

  2 to 8.75 years in prison

• With Prior Convictions:

  Up to 25 years in prison

• When Charged:

  • Involvement in large-scale fraud operations
  • Use of forgery to facilitate other felonies (e.g., identity theft)
  • Multiple forged documents or a high financial impact
    

Other Possible Charges Related to Forgery

• Criminal Possession of a Forgery Device (Class 6 Felony):

  • 0.33 to 2 years in prison for first-time offenders
  • Increased penalties with prior convictions
  • Charged when someone possesses tools or instruments intended for forgery

• Misdemeanor Forgery (Rare Cases):

  • May apply when the forgery is minor and involves little or no financial harm
  • Punishable by up to 6 months in jail, fines, and probation
    

Note: A felony forgery conviction in Arizona can have long-term consequences, including loss of civil rights, difficulty securing employment, and immigration issues for non-citizens. If you’ve been accused of forgery, contact Feldman & Royle, experienced Arizona forgery defense lawyers who understand how to navigate complex felony cases and fight for the best possible outcome.

Phoenix Forgery Defense Lawyers

Defenses against forgery charges can include challenging the prosecution’s ability to prove intent to defraud, establishing the authenticity of the document or signature in question, or demonstrating that the accused had no knowledge of the alleged forgery. In some cases, the accused may have been unknowingly involved in a situation involving forged materials or simply made an honest mistake. At Feldman & Royle, experienced forgery defense lawyers in Phoenix thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding each case, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence, and build a strong, personalized defense strategy. Our goal is to protect our clients’ rights, challenge unjust charges, and work toward the most favorable resolution possible—whether that means dismissal, reduction of charges, or a not-guilty verdict at trial.

Why Choose Feldman & Royle for Forgery Charges?

Facing a forgery charge can be a devastating experience, with potential consequences ranging from felony convictions to prison time. At Feldman & Royle, we understand what’s at stake and provide an aggressive, strategic defense. Here’s why we believe we are the right choice for your forgery case.

What Sets Us Apart:

• Former Prosecutors, Now Your Advocates: We’ve seen firsthand how forgery cases are built. We know the pressure points prosecutors will target, and we use that insider insight to stay ahead of their strategy. This allows us to craft a defense that anticipates their moves and exploits the weaknesses in their case.
• Meticulous Investigation of Evidence: Forgery cases often hinge on the authenticity of documents and the chain of evidence. We dig deeper, analyzing every piece of evidence, questioning the chain of custody, and scrutinizing police procedure to expose errors, procedural flaws, or constitutional violations that can change the outcome of your case.
• Targeted Defense: Arizona law requires an intent to defraud for a forgery conviction. This is the cornerstone of our defense. We work to demonstrate that our client’s actions were a result of a misunderstanding, an honest mistake, or were done with the full knowledge and consent of all parties involved.
• Expert Witness Collaboration: To counter the prosecution’s claims, we are prepared to bring in forensic document examiners and other experts. Their independent analysis can provide compelling evidence that refutes the authenticity of the alleged forgery, significantly strengthening our case.